With 274 days to go until Toy Fair 2011, a record-breaking 99 per cent of the 2010 floor space has already been reserved.

BRANDS

99 per cent of 2010 floor space sold out for Toy Fair 2011

26 April 2010 | by The Retail Bulletin

With 274 days to go until Toy Fair 2011, a record-breaking 99 per cent of the 2010 floor space has already been reserved.

“We have been really pleased with the support for Toy Fair 2011 and the enthusiasm shown by new and staple exhibitors to be at the show next year,” said Simon Pilling, BTHA Fairs and Events Manager. “This time last year, we were thrilled to be on track to fill the Grand and West Halls. We never dared to presume that just 12 months later, the equivalent of 99 per cent of that space would be sold, especially nine months out from the show.”

180 toy companies exhibited at Toy Fair 2010 as the show returned to Olympia in West London for the first time in 10 years, including 65 first timers and 39 in the Greenhouse Area. Exhibitors included major toy names such as Bandai, Character Options, Golden Bear, Grossman, Hasbro, HTI, John Crane, Leapfrog, Lego, Meccano, Ravensburger, Re:creation, Spin Master, Tomy, Vivid and Worlds Apart, all of whom have applied to return in 2011.

The BTHA is also hoping to see a repeat of the amazing support retailers showed to the fair this year, from the likes of Amazon, Argos, ELC, Mothercare, Play.com, Smyths Toys, Tesco and Toys R Us, through to independent retailers, including Toymaster , Tots ‘n’ Toys, Just William Toys, Hanchett Toys, Mum’s the word.com, and JoJo Maman Bebe.

“The change to a three-day format in 2010 helped retailers to have an even more productive visit and the increase of suppliers on the show floor in 2011 will ensure the effectiveness of their visit will be further enhanced,” concluded Simon Pilling.

Organised by the BTHA (British Toy & Hobby Association), the 58th Toy Fair will take place 25-27 January 2011 at Olympia Exhibition Hall.

Companies interested in exhibiting should contact Simon Pilling at the BTHA on 020 7701 7127.

Digitally native competitors and demanding customers are forcing a new perspective in retail. AI and machine learning can help you step up to the challenges; and some ‘small and beautiful’ solutions can increase your conversion rates within just a few weeks.